Preparing to write the literature review
is a complex process that includes reading and analyzing the research data found
in numerous databases. Along the
process, notes and summary tables continue to add information to what would
hopefully become a literature review.
Galvan, (2014) recommends we should consider our purpose and voice
before beginning to write (p. 73). The
first step towards finding our voice could be a simple question, what is our
purpose in writing this literature review.
Perhaps for some of us is a simple assignment but for many others it
could even mean getting their research published in a well-respected
journal. But whichever our goal is, it
is important to have into consideration the audience we intent to write this
review for to ensure we meet their expectations.
Upon identifying the reason for writing
our literature review as well as the audience we are delivering the final
product to it is important to decide the voice -or writing style- we will be
using to deliver our review. In this
particular case, I will use a formal traditional voice as this literature
review will be written within an academic context. A very important point we need to have into
consideration is that as writers, we need to focus on the reader’s attention
rather than on our own to avoid distracting them from the actual content of the
literature review.
Reevaluating the research data
collected is essential in order to determine the direction of the literature
review, particularly by establishing a relationship between the scholastic
articles and notes we were able to obtain.
For this purpose, we can prepare a topic outline that will help us to
present our argument or thesis. Galvan,
(2014) suggests we should develop a traceable narrative that demonstrates that
the line of argumentation is worthwhile and justified (p. 74).
For this literature review I created
an outlined that allowed me to put my thesis on a roadmap format. The central idea or start point of the roadmap
was my argument: “Is Generation Y – “Millennial” – changing corporate America’s
culture?”. I followed my introduction
with a review of the relevant areas of the research literature obtained,
followed by the methodological issues relevant in the research process. I finalized the outline with a summary,
implications and discussion of suggestions for future research and conclusions
in reference to the introduction addressed at the beginning of the outline.
Comparing my first draft with the
topic outline prepared I realize that although they are similar they don’t
match 100%. My original draft lacks
definition and it was missing important points such as a more formal
introduction of who is the population group – Generation Y – we are analyzing,
and the different areas this group is impacting corporate America’s
culture. The variation did affect the
path of the literature review as I was able to narrow down the specific areas
affected and that are changing the corporate culture and I focused my research
on those specific points. The outline also made me realize the implications of
the review. For example, I found that it
lacks well-developed theoretical models of attitudes and decision-making. On the other hand, I was able to realize that
the current survey data is limited in scope and it might need a more
sophisticated research and data-analysis techniques.
One of the most important values I
found in the outline is the fact that it allowed me to identify the different
topics of research based on the areas Millennials affect the corporate
culture. In order to be able to
transition from one topic to the other Galvan, (2014) suggests using strategic transitional
phrases. For instance, the author recommends using transitions to “provide
readers with textual clues that mark the progression of a discussion, such as
when you begin paragraphs with First, Second, and Third to mark the development
of three related points” (p. 97).
Another way to signalize the transition is with the use of
subheadings. For example, while adressing
“Millennial” talent recruitment practices it is imperative to talk about
methods of recruitment as well as the compensation packages or benefits, both
important factors to attract and retain Millenials. Using subheadings and placing them
strategically to transition from one recruitment technique to the other and
allow my literature review to advance from one argument to the next allowing
the readers to follow my research and thesis in discussion.
Overall, the outline and the roadmap
I was able to develop have been key factors in the direction the literature
review has taken. On the other hand, Galvan’s
recommendations to writing a coherent essay will allow my audience to
transition throughout the topics and
research data I am presenting in
my literature review.
REFERENCE
Galvan,
J. L. (2014). Writing literature reviews: A guide for
students of the social and behavioral sciences (6th
ed.). Glendale, CA: Pyrczak.
